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OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, September 3, 2009 · 22 Oakville Academy for the Arts offers a standard of excellence found nowhere else Start your child's journey into the arts on the right foot at the Oakville Academy for the Arts! The school has been voted as Oakville's "Best Dance School" and "Best Music/Musical Theatre School" every year since its birth in 2003. The Oakville Academy proudly lives up to its reputation year after year delivering artistic education with a standard of excellence found no where else. The school has recently expanded its space to 12,000sq feet of state of the art Dance, Performance and Music studios to accommodate the high demand for its programs. The Oakville Academy for the Arts is an inspirational place for students to learn from the early age of two to adults. The school is conveniently located in the heart of North Oakville at Eighth Line and Upper Middle Road with tons of free parking. Kept immaculately clean and maintained, The Oakville Academy has an inviting atmosphere making it easy for students to fall in love with the arts. The Oakville Academy offers programs for all ages in Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Drama and Fine arts. The school has won numerous awards honoring its quality programming and instruction. "The lovely studio space and the comprehensive variety of programs for beginner to advanced are key components to our success," states owner Heidi McMeekan. "Our dedicated professional and University educated instructors are what defines us and guarantees each child a unique and unforgettable experience." The philosophy of the school is that teachers have the unique opportunity to specialize in the discipline and age group of their choice. Faculty having the choice to work within their strongest suit allows them to share their love and passion for their art. Teachers bond with their students and create a lasting impression ensuring that each child receives the best possible experience. The OAA offers a variety of Dance Programs in Jazz, Tap, Ballet and R.A.D. Ballet as well as Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Lyrical to students of all ages and levels of experience. The school is renowned for their sensitivity to the developmental needs of its youngest dancers. There are numerous programs for children six years and under such as Princess Pre Dance (2 to 3 year olds), Baby Ballet for (3 to 4 year olds), Kinder Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Kiddy Hop and Ballet/Jazz for ages 4 to 6. Each class features age appropriate and unique performance opportunities at the end of each academic year. The school is considered to have a very creative and positive approach to teaching that allows students to learn valuable material that develops their self esteem, strong technique, and encourages a healthy lifestyle in a fun and supportive environment. The use of hula-hoops, magic wands and tiaras are commonplace in classes and add a memorable touch to a young child's first dance experience. Classes are offered daily during the week, after school and on weekends to accommodate every family's busy schedule. Music lessons at the OAA are a truly unique experience. Study in piano, vocal, guitar, drums, woodwinds, and violin are just a few of the disciplines offered. Instructors with not only professional academic degrees, but also with proven performance ability conduct all lessons in a one-on-one format in spacious music studios. All lessons and curriculum are customized to the individual learning style, skill level and goals of each student. "While there seems to be a trend towards offering group music instruction, as a former music teacher myself, I do not believe that students develop proper technique without individual focused attention. Instructors can only focus properly on one set of hands at a time." Heidi says. Students have the best chance for success when their natural abilities are matched with a proven for learning course. Music students are given the opportunity for performance in front of their peers several times over the year in master classes and recitals. The Academy boasts a 98 per cent return rate of its students. The OAA offers programs in Fine Arts, Drama and Musical Theatre. They have a unique Preschool, JK and SK program that is half day, two, three or five mornings a week. The program integrates Music, Dance and Fine Art into a Reggio inspired, award-winning curriculum. Additional information can be found on the website www.oakvilleacademy.com or drop by for a tour of the school Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call the Oakville Academy for the Arts to register now for upcoming fall classes at 905-844-2787. Classes commence September 14th, 2009 and spaces are limited.